Atomic RoadRunners | Andrew Flynn’s High-Energy Fantasy Baseball

Mike Gonzalez got his fifth save of the season by pitching the final 1.1 innings in Thursday’s win over Arizona. Gonzalez should get all the save chances for the Braves the rest of the season with Rafael Soriano back on the DL and probably out for the season. (Rotowire)

Braves closer Mike Gonzalez pitched a scoreless ninth inning in a non-save situation Tuesday at San Francisco, giving up one hit. He also recorded one strikeout. The Braves just can’t seem to give Gonzalez save chances even when they win. They don’t figure to win many games down the stretch, so treat him as a low-end Fantasy closer. (CBS Sports)

Braves closer Mike Gonzalez allowed only one hit and recorded one strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning of work Thursday against the Cardinals. He didn’t record a save, though, since the Braves led by five runs. The Braves have offered their closers few save opportunities this season, and Gonzalez has only four saves since taking over in mid June. He remains a low-end Fantasy option, especially with the Braves now out of contention. (CBS Sports)

Braves closer Mike Gonzalez, who hadn’t pitched since Wednesday, looked a little rusty in a tune-up outing Tuesday against the Cardinals. He gave up five runs — one earned — on two hits and three walks in two-thirds of an inning. As intense as Gonzalez gets in save situations, you have to expect him to struggle in non-save situations. The retooling Braves might not give him many opportunities down the stretch, so think of him as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy closer. (CBS Sports)

Mike Gonzalez pitched a perfect ninth on Saturday night against the Padres for his third save of the season. This was the first save opportunity for the Braves since June 25, so don’t be dismayed by Gonzalez getting just three saves since returning from the DL on June 18. He’s pitching lights-out so far, with a 14:0 K:BB and a 1.86 ERA in 9.2 innings. (Rotowire)

Braves closer Mike Gonzalez had to pitch the final two-thirds of the ninth inning Tuesday at the Dodgers, recording two strikeouts. He didn’t record a save, though. The Braves have shown no qualms about using Gonzalez, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery, on back-to-back days. He has a 2.08 ERA so far and could emerge as a top-10 closer in the second half. He has that kind of potential. (CBS Sports)

Braves P Mike Gonzalez pitched two perfect relief innings during Sunday’s 17-inning win against the Astros. He pitched a scoreless ninth and 10th inning while striking out four and has worked three of the past four days, pitching four perfect innings and totaling seven strikeouts. Clearly, the gloves have already been taken off for the Tommy John survivor, making him a full-time closer now and a solid addition in all leagues where you need saves. Gonzalez has the potential to be a top-10 Fantasy closer in the second half. (CBS Sports)

According to The Sports Xchange notes: LHP Mike Gonzalez is finding that since returning from last year’s “Tommy John” surgery, he needs a day off after a relief appearance. Obviously, he’s hoping to be able to pitch in back-to-back games as he builds strength. Consider Gonzo a sleeper at the closer position and a candidate to pick up a save or two a week right now. The Braves have a great offense that can get him leads as long as they can space out the save chances for the Tommy John survivor. (CBS Sports)

Mike Gonzalez struck out two in a scoreless ninth to earn a save versus the Brewers on Wednesday. Gonzalez’s last blown save came exactly four years ago today. He has just 34 saves since then — he didn’t take over as a closer until 2006 and he missed almost all of last season — but as many close games as he’s pitched it, it’s still remarkable that he’s made 159 straight appearances without ever being charged with a blown save. The typical setup man will still get charged with a blown save every month or so. (Rotoworld)

Jeff Clement hit a two-run homer off Mike Gonzalez in Seattle’s three-run ninth Sunday. Gonzalez was making his second appearance in his return from elbow ligament-replacement surgery. Clement also doubled earlier in the game. Gonzalez obviously cannot completely be trusted as a closer at this point. He will pick up save chances a few times a week, but his injury return will keep him from working many back-to-back games, much less three consecutive high-pressure save situations. Consider Gonzalez a closer sleeper in deeper formats right now. (CBS Sports)

Razzball.com had a brief mention of the Atlanta bullpen, and promising expectations for the remainder of Mike Gonzalez’s season:

Mike Gonzalez is now the closer of the Braves. Right? Right…. Kinda. He’s going to be closing games when he’s available. Cox may take it easy on him since he’s coming back from Tommy John surgery. Gonzalez was not rushed through rehab, so that’s a good thing. Barring an injury, there’s no reason why Gonzalez can’t save 20 games this year. (<—– That’s my projection for Gonzalez.) Soriano might grab another couple and Acosta might snatch a few more. Mike Gonzalez is not some schmohawk that just turned up on the Braves roster. He was an effective closer on the Pirates. He can be again. If Ryan Franklin and Salomon Torres can earn saves, then goddamnit, so can Mike Gonzalez. Okay, now go pick him up. As if he’s still on waivers in any league.

Good thing I picked him up in May.

Mike Gonzalez threw a scoreless ninth inning in Wednesday’s win over Texas, recording a save in his first appearance since coming off the DL. It looks like Atlanta has finally found its closer after Rafael Soriano’s elbow injury. He may not pitch back-to-back games initially, but it looks like he’s the arm to own for saves in the Atlanta bullpen. (Rotowire)

According to The Sports Xchange notes: LHP Mike Gonzalez (Tommy John surgery rehab) is scheduled to join the team in Arlington on Tuesday and be activated Wednesday during the three-game series with the Rangers. Gonzalez won’t return as the closer initially, but the door is clearly open to prove capable of the job. Consider him an outstanding sleeper in any Fantasy league you need a candidate for save chances in the near future. (CBS Sports)

FAAB Acquisitions:

• P Charlie Morton, Braves [$9 bid, add to actives]
• P Seth McClung, Brewers [$6 bid, add to actives]
• P Josh Johnson, Marlins [$0 bid]

Up:

• 3B/OF Chase Headley (to Utility)
• OF John Bowker
• P Jorge Campillo
• P Mike Gonzalez

Down:

• P Jason Marquis
• P Carlos Villanueva
• P Todd Wellemeyer
• P Jason Bergmann
• OF Ryan Spilborghs
• 3B Blake DeWitt

Cut:

• P Manny Acosta
• P Greg Reynolds
• P Doug Brocail

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Mike Gonzalez (elbow) could return from the disabled list as soon as Friday. Gonzalez has spent two weeks on a minor league rehab assignment as he makes his way back from Tommy John surgery, posting a 0.82 ERA and 12/1 K/BB ratio in 11 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. Given the Braves’ bullpen struggles, it’s surprising that they haven’t already activated him. (Rotoworld)